The Braves return to Truist Park on Tuesday, Sept. 23, for the second game of their final home stand of 2025. Atlanta (74–83) continues its three-game series against the Washington Nationals (64–93), with first pitch set for 7:20 p.m. ET.
The night is about more than baseball. It’s Los Bravos Night, an annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month featuring music, food, and cultural programming at The Battery and inside Truist Park. Fans with the special ticket package also receive a Los Bravos jersey shirt.
Waldrep vs. Rutledge: Young Arms Collide
The Braves will hand the ball to rookie right-hander Hurston Waldrep (0–2, 8.75 ERA), who continues to get late-season starts as part of Atlanta’s rotation evaluation. The 2023 first-round pick has electric stuff but is still learning how to handle MLB hitters.
Washington counters with Jackson Rutledge (0–4, 8.31 ERA). Like Waldrep, the Nationals are using September to test Rutledge’s readiness for the big-league rotation moving forward.
Braves Bats Under the Spotlight
Atlanta’s offense remains powered by Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson, but Tuesday offers another chance to see how depth players perform under the lights. With Sean Murphy out after hip surgery, backups and September call-ups continue to see increased action.
The Braves’ recent offensive bursts, including an eight-game win streak earlier this month, showed the potential of this lineup when healthy.
Nationals’ Prospects Gaining Experience
The Nationals have leaned on young players like Daylen Lile, hoping September at-bats speed their development. Facing Waldrep provides a glimpse at how rebuilding clubs use the season’s final weeks for evaluations, not standings.
Why Fans Will Remember This One
Los Bravos Night makes Tuesday special, regardless of the score. For the Braves, it’s a chance to connect with fans, showcase culture, and continue giving young players meaningful experience. For the crowd, it’s a night that blends baseball with celebration.
